One of the World’s Most Iconic Species
Powerful, ancient and unmistakable, rhinos are among the most recognisable animals on Earth — yet today, their survival depends on dedicated conservation action.
Learn About the Rhino Poaching CrisisRhinos have existed for millions of years
Rhinos once roamed across large parts of Africa and Asia. Today, their populations are far smaller, with many facing significant pressure from poaching, habitat loss and human expansion.
Despite their size and strength, rhinos are vulnerable animals that rely on carefully managed conservation efforts to survive in the wild.
The Five Species of Rhino
There are five remaining species of rhino in the world today. Two live in Africa and three in Asia, each with unique characteristics, habitats and conservation challenges.
White Rhino
The largest rhino species and the most numerous today.
Black Rhino
Smaller, more solitary and critically endangered.
Indian Rhino
Also known as the greater one-horned rhino.
Javan Rhino
One of the rarest large mammals on Earth.
Sumatran Rhino
The smallest and hairiest rhino species.
Where Rhinos Live
African rhinos are typically found in grasslands, savannas and open woodland, where they have access to water, grazing areas and shelter.
Asian rhinos tend to inhabit forested regions, wetlands and river floodplains. Healthy ecosystems are essential, as rhinos need large areas of land to find food, water and breeding territories.
What Rhinos Eat
Rhinos are herbivores, feeding entirely on plants. Their diets vary depending on species and habitat.
- White rhinos are grazers, feeding mainly on grasses.
- Black rhinos are browsers, eating leaves, branches and shrubs.
- Asian rhinos may eat grasses, fruit, aquatic plants and foliage.
Rhinos help maintain healthy ecosystems
By grazing and browsing vegetation, rhinos help shape plant communities, maintain open grasslands and create pathways used by other animals.
Their dung also helps distribute seeds and provides nutrients that support insects and other small organisms.
In this way, rhinos act as ecosystem engineers — species whose presence helps maintain balance in the environments they inhabit.
Explore Conservation ResearchRhinos need protection now more than ever
Although rhinos have survived for millions of years, their future now depends heavily on conservation efforts.
Poaching driven by the illegal trade in rhino horn remains one of the greatest threats to many populations. Habitat loss and human expansion also place increasing pressure on the landscapes rhinos depend on.
Protecting rhinos requires coordinated action across reserves, governments, conservation organisations and communities.
See How Rhinos Are ProtectedUnderstanding Rhinos Helps Protect Them
Education is an essential part of conservation. The more people understand about rhinos, their behaviour, habitats and ecological importance, the stronger the global commitment becomes to protecting them.